Construction Employment Declines in Most Metropolitan Areas

Construction employment increased between April 2009 and 2010 in more metro areas (17) than at any point during the past 12 months, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America. However, AGC officials noted that even though construction job losses were less widespread than in previous months, the industry is still shedding workers in most metropolitan areas.

“Construction employment is clearly stabilizing in a growing list of metro areas,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Unfortunately, too many construction workers are losing jobs in too many metro areas.”

Simonson noted that construction employment declined in 292 metropolitan areas between April 2009 and 2010 and held steady in another 28 areas. He added that half the declines were less than 10 percent, while in previous months, double-digit decreases predominated.

The construction economist said there was little reason to expect broad gains in construction employment for the foreseeable future.

“While the stimulus, military construction and home building should help, overall construction demand is likely to remain weak well into 2011 for most regions,” Simonson said.

The AGC stated that without Congressional and White House action on overdue infrastructure programs, including transportation, aviation and water legislation, construction employment would continue to suffer.